We’re continuing our theme of cultural flashback TV pilots inspired by Nobody Wants This … delving into Veronica Mars, Kristen Bell’s cult classic series in which she plays a seventeen-year-old anti-establishment high school student and private detective. We were surprised by the complexities of the show, its dark themes, character motivations, and intricate storytelling. The show is a unique blend of teen drama and neo-noir elements, with a healthy dose of mommy issues, class warfare, sexual assault, and mysteries to unravel. This is one loaded pilot episode!!

On this episode of Complicated Conversations we welcome New York Times bestselling author, Alison Espach, to discuss her Read With Jenna Book Club pick, The Wedding People, a propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help us start anew.

We chat with Alison about her development of the two complex women at the heart of this novel, Phoebe and Lila; the importance of honesty for human connection; her exploration of themes of grief, loss, transformation, and rebirth; her use of literary references; and the new way she has us thinking about using tarot cards!

The Wedding People is out now!

On today’s episode we’re discussing Woman Of The Hour, a new Netflix movie based on the true story of a serial killer who appeared on the popular 70s TV show, The Dating Game. Directed by and starring Anna Kendrick, the movie is a true crime drama that - thankfully - isn’t focused on the killer. This subtly subversive film is a story about women’s violence that has so much space for women’s emotions.  It is the kind of movie that, as we approach our five year anniversary, reminds us why we started this podcast in the first place!

We’re back with another Sidebar conversation where we let you in on our lives and what we’re obsessing over in pop culture. In this episode, we talk about being stuck in the middle, early aughts stripped down covers, Kelsea Ballerini's patterns and some of our own. On this clip we invite you into our very own therapy session, complete with muddled guidance from the tarot about navigating the messy middle.  Send help - because the wisdom from the “tea typewriter” was not strong enough!

The PFW Sidebar is now in session! Available wherever you get your podcasts.

Tell Me Lies Season 2 Finale (and Eps 6&7).

Another incredible season of @tellmelieshulu comes to end and we are yet again going out with Mr. Brightside by The Killers (this one an incredible cover by Cat Missal, the actress who plays Bree!). We recap episodes 6-8, marveling at how these writers can create consistently complicated, three-dimensional characters, ramp up the tension and toxicity, surprise and shock us, and leave us wanting more (immediately!). Nothing but the highest respect for creator Meaghan Oppenheimer, the writers room, and the entire cast!

The O.C.: Cultural Flashback Moments from TV, inspired by Nobody Wants This

We just can’t ignore the resurgence of early 2000s heartthrobs like Joshua Jackson and Adam Brody so we’re taking it back to 2003 and doing a recap of the pilot episode of The O.C.! We chat about the nostalgia surrounding the show, its influence and impact on subsequent teen dramas, the significance of its soundtrack, and the young stars whose careers were launched by the show. This pilot is as entertaining now as it was back then! Come reminisce with us

On this episode of Debut Discussions Asha Elias discusses her debut novel, Pink Glass Houses, a seductive social satire about the wealthy PTA moms of an elite elementary school in Miami Beach. 

Asha chats with Carinn about the unexpected joys of launching a book; her journey to becoming a writer; the themes explored in her novel; character development; the writing process; and how her column for the Miami New Times influences her fiction. Asha also touches on her second book (out in summer 2025!) and highlights the power of art to change cultural narratives and the importance of connection in storytelling.

In today’s episode we’re discussing Nobody Wants This on Netflix, which based on our feelings and the general reception, should actually be called EVERYBODY Wants This! This utterly bingeable romcom starring Kristen Bell and Adam Brody has all the hallmarks of a great romcom…undeniable chemistry between the two leads, a stellar ensemble cast, high stakes tension, characters working through their damage, and laugh out loud humor. We discuss creator Erin Foster and her real life inspo for the show, Joanne and Noah’s meet cute, THAT first kiss scene, the ICK and whether it truly can be overcome, the sibling dynamics, what it means to be “too much”  and so much more!

Side bar about being "too much", today's astrology, Nobody Wants This, The Wedding People, and Sally Rooney

On this episode of Debut Discussions, Jamie Harrow shares her journey from a sports-loving child to a lawyer and finally to a debut novelist with her book 'One on One'. The conversation explores her reading and writing evolution, the development of her characters, and the themes of trust and connection in her work. Jamie discusses the impact of sports on personal relationships, her experiences with reality TV, and the publishing process. She also touches on her interest in astrology and shares insights about her upcoming projects.